Edinburgh does a proper curry, whether you want a smart sit-down dinner or a paper-plate feast at a legendary canteen. The city’s Indian restaurants range from contemporary kitchens near the theatres to no-frills institutions loved by students and locals alike.
These are the Indian spots worth your appetite, and where to find them.
Where to Eat: Indian Restaurants in Edinburgh
- Cutting Chaii (Salamander St, Leith) – A modern Indian restaurant in Leith with a contemporary take on regional dishes and street food.
- Mosque Kitchen (Nicolson Square, near Old Town) – An Edinburgh institution near the university serving cheap, generous curries canteen-style – cash-friendly and always busy.
- Navadhanya (32-34 Grindlay St) – A smarter, contemporary Indian restaurant near the Usher Hall, good for a sit-down dinner before a show.
What to Expect
You can eat Indian in Edinburgh for a few pounds or make a proper evening of it. Canteen spots like Mosque Kitchen are famously cheap and filling, while Navadhanya offers a more polished, modern dining room. Vegetarian and vegan curries are plentiful across the board.
Who It Suits
Curry lovers on any budget – students and bargain-hunters will love Mosque Kitchen, while couples wanting a smarter dinner should book Navadhanya. For more low-cost options, see our cheap eats guide.
Practical Tips
- Mosque Kitchen is best for a cheap, fast lunch – it gets very busy at peak times.
- Navadhanya on Grindlay Street is handy before a show at the Usher Hall or Lyceum.
- Vegetarians are well catered for; ask about the daily veg specials.
- Leith is a short bus or tram ride from the centre if you are heading to Cutting Chaii.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheap Indian in Edinburgh?
Mosque Kitchen near the university is the classic budget choice – generous, canteen-style curries at very low prices. It is a long-standing local institution.
Where should I go for a smarter Indian dinner?
Navadhanya on Grindlay Street offers a more contemporary, sit-down experience and is well placed for dinner before a show at the nearby theatres.
